OSHC Providers in Australia and Their Payment Policies

OSHC Providers in Australia and Their Payment Policies. There are only a handful of OSHC providers officially approved by the Australian Government to offer health cover for international students. These providers are well-regulated, offer nationwide coverage, and meet the visa requirements under condition 8501.

OSHC Providers in Australia and Their Payment Policies

Here’s a list of the most widely used providers:

Provider Name	Website	Known For
Bupa Australia	www.bupa.com.au	Extensive hospital network & student discounts
Medibank Private	www.medibank.com.au	Popular among university students
Allianz Care Australia	www.allianzcare.com.au	Flexible plans for singles, couples, families
nib OSHC	www.nib.com.au	Simple claims process & 24/7 support
AHM OSHC (by Medibank)	www.ahm.com.au	Affordable options & mobile app

These are the only providers whose OSHC will be recognized by the Department of Home Affairs for your visa application. Any other insurer offering "international health cover" but not on this list may not be compliant with visa requirements.

How Do Their Payment Policies Work?

Each of these providers follows the same basic structure: you pay upfront for your OSHC policy. But some have unique payment arrangements or offer student-friendly packages.

Let’s break down their policies:

Provider	Minimum Payment Term	Payment Flexibility	Bundled Offers
Bupa	Full policy duration	Prepay required	Yes, with some universities
Medibank	Full visa length	Some pay-by-semester via agents	Yes
Allianz	Full duration	Custom policies for institutions	Yes
nib	3-month minimum	Full upfront preferred	Yes
AHM	12 months minimum	Some flexible partner deals	Yes

Are There Any Payment Plans Available Through Providers?

While OSHC itself must be paid in full, some education agents and universities act as intermediaries to offer:

Semester-by-semester payment bundles, including tuition + OSHC.
OSHC deposit schemes, where students make a partial payment upfront to secure a COE and pay the rest before visa lodgement.
Integrated student portals where OSHC is renewed or extended automatically when courses are prolonged.

✅ Pro Tip: Ask your education provider or agent if they have a partnered OSHC deal—you might get extra perks like bonus dental, optical, or even mental health services.

How to Choose the Best OSHC Provider for Your Needs

Choosing OSHC isn’t just about price. Here are the factors you should compare:

🏥 Coverage

Does it include hospital stays, general practitioner visits, ambulance, and prescriptions?

📞 Support

Do they offer 24/7 helplines, multilingual services, or mobile apps?

📍 Location

Do they have clinic partners near your campus or residence?

💰 Refunds and Flexibility

Can you get partial refunds if you finish early or change visas?

🎁 Extras

Are there add-ons like dental, physio, or mental health support?

📌 Quick Case Study
Navdeep, an Indian student in Sydney, initially thought nib was the cheapest. But after checking with his university, he found that Allianz offered 10% off and had a clinic on-campus—saving him time and money during his studies.

How to Apply and Pay for OSHC as an International Student

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for OSHC

Applying for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is actually more straightforward than most people think. Whether you’re applying directly through an insurer, using an agent, or going through your education provider, the steps are largely the same:

Step 1: Choose Your OSHC Provider

Start by comparing plans and coverage options from major OSHC providers. Consider:

Length of cover
Coverage type (single, couple, family)
Any extras (mental health, dental, etc.)
University partnerships or deals

Once you select a provider, visit their official website to get a quote.

Step 2: Determine the Length of Your Policy

Match the length of your policy with the length of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This is crucial because your visa won’t be approved unless your OSHC covers the entire duration of your stay.

✏️ Example: If your course is 2 years long, you’ll need a 2-year OSHC policy—even if you plan to leave sooner.

Step 3: Get a Quote and Purchase the Policy

You’ll be asked to enter:

Your passport details
Your start and end dates of study
Your visa subclass (usually Subclass 500)
Type of cover: single, couple, or family

Then, you’ll see the full payment amount—since OSHC is paid upfront, you’ll need to pay this in full using:

Credit/debit card
PayPal (some providers)
Bank transfer

✅ Note: If you’re going through an agent or university, they may offer to bundle OSHC with your tuition and housing fees. This can give the illusion of "monthly payments," but it's actually a payment plan for all services together.

Step 4: Receive Your OSHC Certificate

Once your payment is successful, you’ll receive an OSHC Certificate or Policy Document in your email. This is the document you must upload during your visa application process.

Step 5: Include OSHC Details in Visa Application

When filling out the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) form, you’ll be asked for:

Insurance Provider Name
Policy Number
Start and End Dates

This information is used by the Department of Home Affairs to verify that you meet condition 8501—mandatory health insurance coverage.

Can Agents or Universities Handle the Application?

Absolutely. In fact, many students find it easier to delegate the process to a trusted education agent or university admissions office. These services: